China Lifts Four-Year Ban on Australian Live Rock Lobster Trade, Boosting Industry

China notified Australia on December 20 that the live rock lobster trade between the two nations can resume after a four-year import ban, per Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. 

In October, Albanese announced that trade between the two nations would resume before the year ended.  

“This is a major win for our hard-hit live rock lobster industry and follows sustained engagement and advocacy by government and industry. We thank the Australian live rock lobster industry for its patience and resilience as we worked to reinstate...

ANALYSIS: Canadian Lobster Prices Stabilize Amid Export Slowdown

Canadian live lobster prices have been stabilizing this autumn, following a gradual increase since June. Latest data from Expana shows a market price for live chix exported to Europe standing at 12.18 USD/lb (C+F incoterm) on 5/12/24, which represents a 60% rise since the year-low value of 7.6 USD/lb at the beginning of June...

The Winding Glass: Heavy Lobster and Crab Tariffs Could Cripple the US; Canadian Seafood Industry

Canadian lobster and crab industries face severe stress due to President-elect Trump’s threat to impose 25% tariffs across the board on all Canadian imports to the US.

Under the worst-case scenario, higher sale prices would cut demand to the extent that lobster and crab would be left in the water. For both exports, the Canadians have no replacement for the US market. To increase sales to China, Japan, and Europe, they would have to offer drastic price cuts...

Key Nova Scotia Lobster Fishing Areas to Open Tuesday After Delayed Start

Dumping Day for lobster fishing areas (LFA) 33 and 34 will begin on November 26. The staple Nova Scotia fishery was delayed due to heavy winds.

The start of commercial fishing for LFA 34, the larger of the two areas, will begin at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, while LFA 33 will begin at 7 a.m., per local media reports. Lobster Fishing Area 33 stretches from Cow Bay in Halifax Regional Municipality to Shelburne County; Lobster Fishing Area 34 covers Shelburne County to Digby County...

Premium Brands Sees Record Q3 Revenue Despite Challenges; Lobster Sales Up, Volume Dips

Major Canadian food company Premium Brands Holdings unveiled its third-quarter financial results, which saw the firm land a record third-quarter revenue of CAD 1.67 billion (US$1.2 billion). The company said it saw solid progress in its Specialty Foods’ core U.S. growth initiatives in protein and baked goods. However, its sandwiches group was impacted by consumer demand challenges that hit a major customer.

“Despite temporary headwinds faced by our Sandwich group in the quarter, we remain on course and continue to make...

Cousins Maine Lobster Continues Expansion in Illinois

Cousins Maine Lobster announced that it will debut its fourth food truck in the Northern Illinois region this weekend.

The newest truck marks another partnership with franchisees Yunus and Thameem Shahul, who landed a multi-unit deal for the market back in November 2023.

Cousins Maine Lobster shared that the Shahul brothers joined CML as franchisees in 2018 and now have 18 units open and operating across multiple territories, with more to come. SeafoodNews covered the brand’s recent expansion in Florida, which was also led by the Shahul brothers...

Overnight Maine Lobster Now Shipping Nationwide

Overnight Maine Lobster, a family-owned company run by former lobsterman Tyler Pelletier, will now offer nationwide live Maine lobster delivery.

Overnight Maine Lobster boasts its ability to source lobsters directly from local Maine lobstermen, providing a direct-from-the-ocean method. The company claims this guarantees that its lobster arrives as fresh as possible with fewer delays and minimal handling.

The company says its storage methods separate it from the competition.

“We store our lobsters in specially designed saltwater tanks filled with water from the Atlantic Ocean...

Lobsters on the Move: UMaine Study Uncovers Major Habitat Shifts and Population Decline

DFO Seizes $100K Worth of Lobsters in Nova Scotia

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced on October 2 that it seized over 13,000 pounds of lobster worth over CA$100,000 (US$74,000) and made an arrest for crimes under the Fisheries Act, including maintaining an illegal lobster pound.

According to a DFO Facebook post, fisheries officers executed a search warrant at a Shelburne County, Nova Scotia facility. The warrant resulted in the seizure of the lobster, documents and electronic records, along with the arrest.

The DFO said the matter is under investigation for potential charges under Canada’s...

Canada’s Conservative Party Rips Federal Government Handling Atlantic Canada Lobster Fishing

Canada’s Conservative Party slammed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the federal government’s handling of alleged poaching around the Bay of Fundy.

Headlines in Canada have emerged with local fishing organizations in the New Brunswick areas alleging that both local and foreign poachers are targeting Lobster Area 36 ahead of the start of its November season.

The Maine Lobstermen’s Association told news outlets that it wasn’t aware of the allegations and denied the claims. Maine Department of Resources spokesperson Jeff Nichols said in a statement...

Island Institute Kickstarts Initiative to Support Maine’s Lobster Industry

The Island Institute received a $1.4 million award from the Small Business Administration to support Maine’s vital lobster industry and the communities that rely on it.

The Institute noted that the Congressionally Directed Spending request was led by Maine Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and would lead to the creation of the ‘Future of Fishing,’ “described as a collaborative effort designed to expand economic opportunities for Maine’s coastal communities.”

“This funding is not just an investment in the lobster industry, it is an investment in the communities that have...

Quiznos Makes it Official: Lobster & Seafood Sub are Year-Round Menu Items 

Lobster & Seafood has a permanent home on the Quiznos menu.

Sandwich chain Quiznos announced that it will serve up an “endless summer” as its Lobster & Seafood sub has become a permanent menu option since July 16.

“Whether we offered the special sub as a limited time offer early in the year or as seasonal summer fare, our guests made it clear they were hungering for more,” said Gregory Boudreaux, Vice President of Operations and Brand Leader at Quiznos’ parent company, REGO Restaurant Group...

Lobster Habitat in the Gulf of Maine Has Changed, Scientists Say

Lobster fishing has been a good business in the Gulf of Maine for a long time. With the exception of a few notable dips, both the landings and value of the catch have been on an upward swing for decades.

Between 1984 and 2014, the lobster population in the Gulf of Maine jumped an estimated 515%, while simultaneously declining by 78% in southern New England as the water warmed in both regions.

While it's started to decline in recent years, numbers are...

FFAW Continues To Butt Heads With Royal Greenland: “Enough Is Enough”

The Fish, Food and Allied Workers (FFAW) are demanding “consequences” for Royal Greenland.

FFAW has been fighting with Royal Greenland since the company took a controlling interest in St. Anthony’s Seafoods in September 2020. In the past, representatives from the union have expressed concerns over “excessive hours,” and a “general culture of intimidation and harassment.” On Friday, the union spoke out about how Royal Greenland has “continually refused to follow provincial regulations,” in addition to ignoring the collective bargaining process.

“Since first being allowed to...

ANALYSIS: Maine Lobster Fishing Season Update

Supply: By all accounts, the Canadian spring fishing season was exceptional. First, the weather conditions for fishing were nearly perfect. The catch started early and remained abundant throughout the season, resulting in lower-than-usual acquisition costs. Live buyers, processors, and shippers all met their demands, while tank houses were able to build their inventories to full capacity.

While the Canadian spring fishing season was highly productive, the Maine summer fishing season has been slow to start. However, promising reports of strong landings have emerged in the last week...

Red Lobster’s Crabfest Menu Features “Secret” Flavor Flav Entree 

Red Lobster’s Crabfest menu is expanding with yet another new addition to the lineup: “Flavor Flav’s Faves.” Say that 10 times fast. But there’s a catch. It’s an “off-menu meal,” meaning that it’s a secret menu item that you have to specifically ask your server for. 

In honor of the rapper/ reality TV star and his public devotion for the struggling seafood restaurant, Red Lobster has dropped its limited time “secret menu meal.” The Flavor Flav’s Faves entree features a Maine lobster tail, paired with...

Canada To Issue Exploratory Fishing Licenses for Quebec Lobster Industry in Spring 2025

On December 5, 2024, the Honorable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced the continuation of the data acquisition plan for Quebec’s lobster fishing industry.

Come spring 2025, the Department will issue new exploratory fishing licenses to assess lobster stock capacity and responsible fishery development as well as to support additional catches. License holders will participate in gathering critical data related to the stock assessment, including learning more about lobster abundance and distribution.

“Starting this spring, First Nations and industry will be..."

Red Lobster Launches New Happy Hour

National seafood restaurant Red Lobster recently announced the launch of Happy Hour, featuring $5 drink specials and $2 off select starters.

The special began Monday, December 2, 2024, and will be available each week Monday – Friday from 3 – 6 PM local time at participating restaurants nationwide.

The starter selection includes the following dishes:

• Lobster Flatbread
• Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms
• Crab Queso
• Lobster Dip
• Mozzarella Cheesesticks

Nichole Robillard, Chief Marketing Officer at Red Lobster, expressed excitement for the recent launch, saying, “It’s the perfect way to take a break from the hustle and bustle..."

Maine Delegation Announces More Than $1.9 Million for Lobster Research in Maine

Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, are announcing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Sea Grant Office’s decision to award seven Maine projects with $1,941,692 in funding for the American Lobster Research Program. The grant program supports projects that address critical knowledge gaps about American lobster and its fishery in a dynamic and changing environment.

“Maine’s lobstermen and women have long demonstrated their commitment to maintaining and protecting a sustainable fishery in the Gulf of..."

Nova Scotia Fishing Group Seeks $10 Million in Damages Over Illegal Lobster Trade

A Nova Scotia commercial lobster fishing group has taken legal action against Independent Fisheries Limited for allegedly buying illegally caught lobsters in St. Mary’s Bay.

The United Fisheries Conservation Alliance (UFCA) filed a Notice of Action with the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia against the firm and its owner, Xiaoming Mao, along with Jason Lamrock, Tyler Nickerson, Sandra Nickerson, Shawna Nickerson, David Nickerson, and Wesley Nickerson, according to a UFCA press release.

The UFCA, which represents lobster fishing organizations throughout the province...

Long John Silver’s Rolls Out Limited-Time Norway Lobster Bites and New Meal Combos

Seafood chain Long John Silver’s announced the return of its fan-favorite Wild-Caught Norway Lobster Bites.

The menu item reached shores on October 28 and will be available for a limited time alongside a new dessert option from The Cheesecake Factory Bakery.

The lobster bites are made of tender pieces of wild-caught Norway lobster tails; each bite is coated in a breading. There will be several ways to grab the bits this holiday season:

"- Add Lobster Bites to any meal with the Lobster Bites...

ASMFC Halts New Lobster Gauge Requirement Amid Market Concerns

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) voted to delay an increase to the minimum catchable size of lobster in the Gulf of Maine for six months.

The move was made on October 21 by the ASMFC’s American Lobster Board at the commission’s meeting in Annapolis, Maryland. The new gauge requirements were set to begin in January, but now with the delay, it will take place in July 2025.

The Portland Press Herald noted that individuals opposed to the move argued that it would give Canadian lobstermen an unfair market...

Australia’s $700M Rock Lobster Trade with China Set to Resume

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the country will resume exports of live rock lobsters to China before the end of the year.

The deal is massive news for Australia’s rock lobster industry, along with Chinese consumers who will again have access to the product for the upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations.

Since 2020, Australian rock lobsters have been effectively prevented from entering China’s market, which was worth over AU$700 million in 2019, per the Australian government...

Cousins Maine Lobster Franchisees Expanding Footprint in Southeastern Florida

Cousins Maine Lobster is at it again. This time, the brand is teaming up with long-time franchisees and brothers Yunus and Thameem Shahul, to expand into the Fort Lauderdale area, expanding the Cousins footprint into Broward and Palm Beach Counties.

The brothers began their relationship with Cousins Maine Lobster in 2018, and the new truck will mark its 17^th unit with the brand.

The brothers shared their excitement for the move with the following statement...

A Look Ahead at Lobster Promos to Celebrate National Lobster Day 2024

National Lobster Day is right around the corner on September 25, and the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative (MLMC) is ready to celebrate Maine’s iconic seafood item.

"National Lobster Day highlights the hardworking individuals and communities that make the fishery thrive," said Marianne LaCroix, Executive Director at the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative. "We encourage lobster fans across the country to show their support for the families who make it all possible by choosing sustainably harvested Maine Lobster."

There will be various promotions and products for consumers to get...

The Retail Rundown: Going All-Out for Autumn

Fall is just around the corner, with the official start of autumn this Sunday, September 22. As cooler weather sets in and travel plans wind down, grocers are ramping up their offerings of seasonal favorites to align with the change in consumer preferences. 

According to the Expana Retail Activity Index, seafood continues to lead for the fourth week in a row, making up 30% of total protein ads. Beef and pork are close behind, each at around 25%, while chicken accounts for 14%. Eggs represent 2.8% of retail opportunities, and turkey has 2.3%...

Atlantic and Quebec Fishing Organizations: More Needs To Be Done To End Illegal Lobster Sales

The Coalition of Atlantic and Quebec Fishing Organizations and the Unified Fisheries Conservation Alliance (UFCA) put out a call on Monday urging the Canadian government to do more to stop illegal lobster sales.

"Enforcing one set of rules for everyone is the key to a strong fishery,” commented Gordon Beaton, president of the Gulf Nova Scotia Fleet Planning Board. ”Impartial, independent enforcement officers at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans are at the heart of a sustainable fishery. We are concerned about...

Premium Brands Holdings Releases Q2 Financial Results

Canada’s Premium Brands Holdings released its Q2 financial results late last week, reporting a record second quarter revenue of $1.70 billion; 4.4% or $71.8 million higher than Q2 2023. Not only that, the company also reported a record second quarter adjusted EBITDA of $164.6 million; an 8% or $12.2 million increase from Q2 2023.

"We are pleased to report another quarter of record sales and adjusted EBITDA as we make steady progress towards achieving our short and long-term strategic objectives," said...

Congressman Golden Issues Another Call To Delay Lobster Gauge Increase Ahead Of ASMFC Summer Meeting

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASMFC) summer meeting kicked off Tuesday morning, with a 3-day agenda packed with discussions covering a wide-range of species. But for Maine Congressman Jared Golden, all eyes are on lobster.

The American Lobster Management Board is set to meet from 2:45 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday to discuss the Benchmark Stock Assessment for American Lobster; conservation measures for lobster conservation management areas 2 and 3; complementary management measures with Canada; and, among...

ANALYSIS: Brazil Shifts Lobster Trade Away from the U.S.

Shipments of lobster tails from Brazil to the United States have fallen close to 50 percent in the last two years. Census data reveals that between 2017 and 2021, U.S. importers sourced an average of 3.03 million pounds of lobster per year from Brazil. However, in the last two years (2022 and 2023), that number has fallen to 1.602 million pounds, which represents a 47 percent reduction.

This shift may not be due to any change in the appetite of the U.S. consumer but rather an increase in...